Sunrise Freedom

As I came down to the lake a few morning ago, I felt so peaceful watching the sunrise. I was all alone, with the ducks, the geese, and my thoughts. Of course, I was trying to think of how to create a beautiful sunrise photo as I watched the sky slowly change from darkness to the beautiful sky seen here. My other thoughts were of the meaning of this Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is always bittersweet for me because of my great memories of celebration every year as a child, and handing down the same traditions to my two kids. For the last few years, my memories of this weekend are of my nephew Steve. Steve was just 19 years old when he joined the Army. When he was 20, he was stationed in Iraq. He was there for 4 months when he was killed on Christmas Eve in 2008. To this day, it is so senseless to me that we have lost so many lives fighting for this country. Steve was one of the best. A great smile, infectious laugh, funny sense of humor and I always loved having him around. So, as I am able to "freely" stand here and see another beautiful sunrise, I am giving thanks to those that paid the ultimate price and gave all!

Standing Out in the Shadows

Finally made it back to our summer getaway on Lake Huron. Hoping to spend as much of the summer here as I can. I have been waiting for so long to get back here, where the air is clean, the sky is wide open, and of course the beautiful lake sunrises, and sunsets. Here, I am hoping that we can somehow heal a little and make some sense out of life. That is a post for later, when I feel I can actually talk about what the healing is all about. When I pulled up to our place, these flowers are first thing I saw, and it somehow reminded me of my Mom. My Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease about 2 years ago. Many people do not know that it is a disease that takes your mind, your memory, your dignity, and eventually turns the brain into the "broken" position permanently. The daffodil here is shining brightly in the sun, but with the sunlit shadows on the back of the flower. That is why it reminds me of my Mom. She is still shining, but the shadows represent each part of her memory that has been taken forever. The other daffodil is me standing beside her for as long as I can. I know the day will come when she will be truly alone mentally, but until that time I will keep reminding myself that she is truly "Standing Out in the Shadows", and always will for me.

Catching Rays

This is a photo of yet another blossom tree. I'm not sure what kind, as there are so many different ones blooming all over right now. Some of these blossoms are so tiny, so thin, and so fragile, yet their beauty never ceases to amaze! I was with my kids for Mother's Day last weekend, and the home we were at had two different blossom trees outside. It was terribly windy out, so before I left, I snapped a branch from the two different trees and brought them home to take a few photos. Here is one of them entitled "Catching Rays". I think the title explains it all, as the beautiful blossom sitting next to my window was catching the great afternoon lighting. Since they are so thin, all of the little veins running through each bloom can be seen very well also. I just love Spring, as it never disappoints, sharing the beauty of nature all around us. Hope you enjoy this photo too!

Of Lines & Curves

I took this photo last year and it still one of my favorites. I was actually playing around with photographing water-drops, as you
can see there are a few on this photo. The different colors, the light, and the curves all came together to create this abstract photo. Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for looking!

Here to Stay-Growing....

A few weeks ago, I posted a story about my red lily plants, and why they are special to me. At that time, I posted the first bloom of the plants which was about the size of a quarter. You can read my post from 4/24/13 for more, and the photo. A few weeks later...I cannot believe how much these plants have grown. They are now about 6"-8" tall. The first photo was from about 1 1/2 weeks ago, when the first blooms started to take shape. The 2nd photo here is taken from yesterday just to get an idea of the growth. I cannot wait until the first lilies appear on these plants! I have many other perennial flowers too, and hope to post some pictures later this spring/summer. I love flowers of all kinds, but my lily plants will always be my favorite because of how much they have traveled from address to address with me, and are now "Here to Stay".

White Bright Blossoms

This is another photo of the beautiful pear tree in bloom! These blossoms are so pretty and delicate. I only wish the tree blossomed all Spring/Summer long. This one is entitled "White Bright Blossoms", because they are just that. Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy!

Spring Unveiled

I think Spring is my favorite time of the year! I love the how the end of a long winter gives way to growth, new life, and the beauty of nature all around. I like to watch tiny buds and blooms turn into full grown flowers, the grass turn greener, the sun shining, and the blueness of the skies. This photo is of my pear tree in my front yard, which blossoms twice a year. The tiny blooms are small, but you are able to see the detail of each bloom. I am enjoying watching the beauty unfold all around me that Spring brings each year. So this photo is entitled "Spring Unveiled". I hope you like it and don't forget to look at the beauty all around, wherever you may be.

Glistening Softness & Light

I took this photo recently on a rainy day, stuck inside the house. I love the way the light is angled on this rose to show the glistening water drops. Soon, flowers outside will start blooming, giving me the chance to hopefully capture the beauty of the outdoors too.